Study of the nanoindentation of SiO₂–TiO₂ thin coatings

Authors

  • Alejandra Vallejo Martinez Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
  • Luis Arturo Reyes Osorio Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9305-8281
  • Iván Eleazar Moreno Cortez Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
  • Luis Alberto López Pavón Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7975-4571

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29105/ingenierias29.100-975

Keywords:

Nanoindentation, aluminum 6061-T6, SiO2-TiO2, Finite Elements Analysis

Abstract

Aluminum alloys, particularly Al 6061-T6, are widely used in structural applications due to their remarkable mechanical properties. However, their relatively low hardness and corrosion resistance limit their use in aggressive environments. To address these drawbacks, this study investigates the deposition of SiO₂–TiO₂ thin films on Al 6061-T6 substrates using the sol-gel method to enhance their mechanical and electrochemical performance. Nanoindentation tests were conducted to determine hardness and elastic modulus. Additionally, a finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate the nanoindentation process using an axisymmetric 2D geometry. The experimental results revealed an elastic modulus of 79.69 GPa for the coated system, indicating a significant improvement over the uncoated substrate. The numerical simulation successfully replicated the experimental load-displacement curves and provided insights into the stress distribution and deformation mechanisms. This combined experimental-numerical approach offers a robust methodology for analyzing the mechanical behavior of thin films and contributes to the optimization of protective coatings for lightweight structural materials.

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Author Biographies

Alejandra Vallejo Martinez, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Graduate student in Engineering Sciences with a focus on Nanotechnology. Skills in finite element analysis, advanced materials characterization, and structural modeling.

Luis Arturo Reyes Osorio, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Materials and PhD in Materials Engineering from the Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León. Research Professor at FIME-UANL. Professional experience in the study and modeling of structures, advanced manufacturing, and mechanical processes.

Iván Eleazar Moreno Cortez, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Materials and PhD in Materials Engineering from the Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (FIME-UANL). Research Professor at FIME-UANL. He studies the morphological and catalytic properties of immobilized enzymes and their application in biosensors, delivery systems, and tissue engineering.

Luis Alberto López Pavón, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Materials and PhD in Materials Engineering from the Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (FIME-UANL). Research Professor at FIME-UANL. He investigates the phenomenon of superelasticity in Ni-free Ti-based alloys and nanostructured materials.

References

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Published

2026-01-29

How to Cite

Vallejo Martinez, A., Reyes Osorio, L. A., Moreno Cortez, I. E., & López Pavón, L. A. (2026). Study of the nanoindentation of SiO₂–TiO₂ thin coatings. Revista Ingenierías, 29(100), 30–40. https://doi.org/10.29105/ingenierias29.100-975

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 100 (2026): Enero-Junio

Section

Artículos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Alejandra Vallejo, Luis Arturo, Ivan Moreno, Luis Alberto López Pavón

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.